Understanding the languages driving development: Java, SQL and Python

13/06/17

Anyone with a passing interest in coding will know that the history of computing has a long list of different languages, some of which are more successful than others. While an IT professional will recognise the fact that no single programming language can fit the needs of every task, mastering multiple and new examples is something of a prerequisite for many in the sector. Of the hundreds of programming languages in existence, SQL, Java and Python are the three languages that crop up time and again as being the most important and influential.

Java

Those looking for a simple, readable programming language, which is used by millions of developers and features on billions of devices across the world, will likely have Java in their sights. As all native Android apps are built in Java, it means that a good working knowledge of the code is all but essential for anyone working in mobile app development. On top of that, 90% of Fortune 500 companies use Java as a server-side language . With the launch of Java 9 due in July 2017 and the continued increase in android users, it's unlikely that the use of Java will dwindle any time soon

SQL

Structured Query Language, better known as SQL, is a proven language for working with databases across many different areas of operations and is perhaps the most common of all in terms of use by IT professionals. Variations such as MySQL and Microsoft SQL increase its reach even further and give those who have a mastery of its workings a better chance of securing a wider range of roles. The introduction of SQL Server 2016 by Microsoft, introduced new features including integration with the popular data analysis and open source programming language R and a Linux version too. These open-source style adaptations have
made the use of SQL even more widespread.

Python

As a general-purpose programming language with an emphasis on code readability, it should be no surprise that Python continues to grow in popularity . With uses including the design of desktop and web apps, as well as for data mining processes and support included in Microsoft's beta version 2.0 of its Cognitive Toolkit open source deep-learning framework, the future looks bright for this coding language that was first released in 1991.

Those harbouring an interest in coding can expect exposure to one or more of these languages in most roles, which makes learning them advantageous to any job hunt. While it can be very difficult to truly master a coding language, well-rounded knowledge of two or more can provide flexibility and options in an ever-changing job market.

Speaking as a test analyst as well as someone who uses Python, I believe Python is one of the languages one should know. Python is a general-purpose language that focuses on readability while still allowing you to write either a small program that consists of a few lines or a large scale application that consists of thousands of lines. One of the reasons I love Python ( also known as batteries included) is because for everything you want to do there is likely a module written for it. Python can be used to write websites using the modules Flask or Django, for automated testing using the modules Selenium, Behave driven tests, network testing, processing large data, database manipulation, writing games (Pygame), processing languages (Natural language toolkit), sending emails, the list goes on. It's weird a few years ago python was thought of as just a toy-language now it is used by Google (Youtube) Facebook (Tornado) Dropbox Yahoo NASA IBM Mozilla Quora :D Instagram (Django I think) Reddit To name but a few